Cancer changes us, there’s no doubt about that. But it’s up to us to decide what that change will mean in our lives, and who we will become as a result.

Britta Aragon, cancer survivor

For many people, receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like the end of the world. And for others, though never a welcome diagnosis, we might find that this is an opportunity to live life differently and more fully.

There is no doubt that having cancer is scary, and when first diagnosed, it may feel devastating. Not knowing what will happen and facing some of the treatment options can be daunting. Yet, with all of this, many men and women living with this diagnosis choose to reevaluate how they are living their lives, showing us that it is not only possible to survive a cancer diagnosis; it is possible to thrive.

A Wake-Up Call

In our fast-paced world, it is so easy to take life for granted. A cancer diagnosis may be the very wake-up call that we have been waiting for, challenging us to value our lives and to be thankful for all that we have.

It may also inspire us to practice a healthier lifestyle by improving our diet and exercise routines, and finding new stress management techniques.

In addition to preventing a recurrence, these new lifestyle changes may even head off other types of illness in the future:

Like diabetes or heart disease.

Best yet, exercise makes us feel good!

What Have You Always Wanted To Do?

We often are so involved with our “have-to’s” in life (work, chores, obligatory events) that we neglect the “want-to’s” in life, perhaps missing out on things like singing lessons, learning Reiki, deepening relationships, and travel. Cancer may give us the freedom to finally go sky-diving, or visit an ashram, or even just to spend more time with those we care about.

On the flip side, a diagnosis may make it easier to say “no” to all of the “have-to’s”: being struck with a severe illness can suddenly give us insight into just what it is, exactly, that we really need to go attend. This may even mean that we give up toxic relationships or friendships, able to now recognize that our time is precious, and can only be devoted to those we truly care about (and who care about us, in return).

Spirituality

Many cancer survivors find that a cancer diagnosis can be an opportunity to find or strengthen a spiritual connection. Whether that is through a church or temple community, a support group for survivors, or regular meditation or yoga, finding a way to connect to others and / or something larger than ourselves can be incredibly beneficial.

Kevin Stein, PhD and cancer expert, explains that the following techniques are great ways to control the symptoms of pain, depression, and fatigue that we experience, as well as helping us to feel good: